The University of Texas Health Houston is conducting a five-year project to study the impact of sounds as triggers for trauma and explore methods to reduce the power of those triggers. Led by Dr. Mohammed Milad, a professor in the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, the project aims to enhance the capacity to regulate fear in individuals.

Dr. Milad explains that traumatic memories can be triggered by various stimuli, such as a song associated with a car accident. While the memory may never fade, the visceral reaction can diminish for 85% of individuals over time. However, for the remaining 15%, the fear trigger persists. The research project seeks to address this issue by finding ways to regulate fear.

The study involves the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive technique that utilizes Pavlovian conditioning methods. TMS is commonly used to treat clinical depression and is now being explored as a potential tool to reduce the impact of trauma triggers. The goal is to accelerate the decline of the trigger's impact over time artificially.

To carry out the research, the team is looking to recruit 250 volunteers in the Houston area, aged between 18 and 60, who are in good health. Participants will undergo an initial brain imaging to create specific targeting for the TMS technique. The hope is to later pair the technique with an event or other stimuli to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Dr. Milad began the clinical trial at New York University before joining the faculty at McGovern Medical School in August. The project aims to provide valuable insights into regulating fear and traumatic memories, potentially offering new avenues for treatment and support for individuals affected by trauma.